Maincrop Pots

[simmo 66]

Evening All,1st time at growing pots & just found out pots i planted are maincrop Cara, can i still lift these early for eating & if so when.?

[Norm]

The answers are 'no' and 'that depends'. Wait till the flowers die off and the foliage starts to die back. They should be ready by then. When did you stick them in? Main crop should be in the soil for about 5 to 6 months

[Paulottie]

Ha, Always like to disagree with you Norm.

Maincrops should take about 16/17 weeks although at this stage the haulms are normally removed and they are left in the ground for the skins to set...allowing them to be stored. They are normally of a flowery texture and better for baking, roasting etc. They tend to be bigger plants and run more risk of blight etc. They are also cheap to buy by the sack from farmers. Not that good a crop choice unless you have lots of land.

Ist early pots by comparison take in the region of 12/13 weeks and are dug and used fresh. (this is normally, but not in all cases, indicated by flowering) and don't store that well. Often they are of a waxy texture ideal for salads etc. They are lovely when just out the ground. Come and go quick- so freeing up the land for leeks or brassicas or lettuce, even a late crop of runners (second earlies are similar but 14/15 weeks and give continuity of supply)

A classic example of a maincrop used early is the International Kidney (of Jersey Royal fame) waxy when fresh... but not so good at full term. There are also a couple of maincrop salad spuds(Pink fir Apple and Rattes)

I have not grown Cara before but would say that some could probably be dug a bit early to use fresh. Obviously you won't the same yield by weight.
However, If you can find a few earlies(and have a bit of space left) it might be a better choice sticking a row in now to use first and then saving your Caras for Autumn use.

[Two_Sheds]

Cara is a fluffy potato, best for mash.

RustyLady has only just put her earlies in, so go out and buy some today - they're still in the shops. They'll grow quick in this lovely warm wet weather